“The Americans are having four vice captains. I shall have three, maybe four,” Montgomerie said.

But the Scot, a five-time Ryder Cup winner, wants Bjorn and McGinley to focus on their own games in a bid to qualify for the playing team.

Montgomerie added: “I will not be naming them until after the Open at St. Andrews in July because, with Bjorn and McGinley, I want them to have every chance to make the team as players again.

“I don’t want the situation that Paul had two years ago where he resigned as Nick Faldo’s vice captain because he wanted the chance to play his way into the team. So I am going to give them the chance through the Open because both Thomas and Paul are talented enough to go and win the British Open.”

Olazabal distanced himself from another vice captaincy role after the 2008 Ryder Cup in Valhalla where he claimed he had no decision-making powers under Nick Faldo, but the Spaniard will be part of Monty’s plans.

Montgomerie explained: “With his experience and from what heard from the players at Valhalla in 2008 and how good he was there, he would be invaluable for our team.”

Golf Monthly Newsletters

Please keep me up to date with special offers and news from Golf Monthly and other brands operated by TI Media Limited via email. You can unsubscribe at any time.

We'd also like to send you special offers and news just by email from other carefully selected companies we think you might like. Your personal details will not be shared with those companies - we send the emails and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please tick here if you are happy to receive these messages.